A publishers association linked with the BJP wants to play a larger role in organizing the 50th edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair, which has been dominated so far by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild.

The Bangiyo Granthashilpa Parishad, on its part, is striving to create an all-inclusive platform for discussion, contending that the Kolkata Book Fair must represent the numerous publishers' and booksellers' associations that exist in West Bengal. It is anticipated that publishers, printers, and booksellers will gather to deliberate on the structure of the edition.

This organization has maintained that the fair should not continue to be run by one sole organization because there are quite a number of other organizations who work in the field of publishing in Bengal. In addition, more involvement of publishers from outside Kolkata is required.

This development is happening as the International Kolkata Book Fair gets set to hold its 50th year of publication in 2027. The event, which was established back in 1976, had always been organized by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild.

The proposed changes have sparked discussion within the publishing community over representation, participation and the future management of the fair. While the Bangiyo Granthashilpa Parishad wants a broader role for different stakeholders, representatives of the Guild have welcomed its efforts to celebrate the legacy of Bengali author Buddhadeb Guha.

Further discussion is anticipated as the planning begins for the 50th year, as the issue arises as to whether the function will proceed in its current organizational format or with a cooperative approach.